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in Robocall / Phone Scam
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Blockchain and cryptocurrency scams are increasingly common and exploit victims through deceptive schemes such as "Pump and Dump" price manipulation, fraudulent Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), phishing attacks, fake giveaways, and cloned platforms. Key warning signs include unsolicited contact promising easy returns, pressure to act quickly, requests for upfront payment, and suspicious links designed to steal credentials. Understanding these red flags and recognizing common scam tactics can help individuals protect themselves from losing money or digital assets to cryptocurrency fraud.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned consumers about AI-enabled scams during the holiday season, specifically targeting voice cloning fraud where scammers impersonate loved ones in distress to demand money through untraceable payment methods. Nessel recommends establishing family verification phrases, not trusting caller ID, verifying suspicious calls through known numbers, and being wary of unusual payment requests. Victims should report incidents to local law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission (877-382-4357), their bank, or the Michigan Attorney General's Consumer Protection Team (877-765-8388).
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
An elderly couple in Williamson County, Illinois lost $121,000 to an imposter scam in which fraudsters posing as PayPal representatives and federal agents convinced them their accounts were compromised and persuaded them to withdraw cash for "secure" federal custody. Three Chinese nationals have been arrested and charged with federal wire fraud for their roles in the conspiracy, which involved sending pictures of withdrawal slips and arranging cash pickups using code words. U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe warned southern Illinois residents about the prevalence of such scams, which typically begin with communications claiming suspicious account activity and escalate through threats about losing savings and retirement funds.
turnto23.com
· 2025-12-08
Phishing scams impersonating delivery services like USPS are prevalent during the holiday season, with scammers sending text messages with malicious links designed to steal personal information or install malware. The IRS also warns of fraudulent emails falsely claiming tax refunds or bills, while the Better Business Bureau advises consumers to avoid clicking suspicious links and never pay with Bitcoin or gift cards, using bank or credit cards instead. One victim in the Central Virginia area lost $22,000 after being tricked into purchasing Bitcoin, illustrating the serious financial consequences of falling for these scams.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Two suspects were arrested in Santa Clara County for operating a "pig butchering" scam in which they posed as "Aunt Amelia," an investment banker, on Facebook and defrauded a 66-year-old San Jose man of $170,000 in cryptocurrency investments. The victim became suspicious when the scammers requested an additional $348,000, leading him to contact authorities who arranged an undercover arrest at a parking lot. District Attorney Jeff Rosen warned that pig butchering scams typically involve human trafficking victims in Southeast Asia who are coerced into slowly extracting maximum funds from victims through false investment promises.
wsiltv.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office warned southern Illinois residents of imposter scams targeting older Americans, where criminals pose as PayPal representatives and fraudulent federal agents to convince victims their accounts are compromised, then pressure them to withdraw savings for "secure custody." Three Chinese nationals face federal wire fraud charges after an elderly couple in Williamson County lost $121,000 in the scam; the suspects were arrested in October when attempting to collect the cash from the victims' residence.
wmix94.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly couple in Williamson County, Illinois lost $121,000 in an imposter scam where criminals posing as PayPal representatives and federal agents convinced them their accounts were compromised and persuaded them to withdraw cash for "secure" federal custody. Three Chinese nationals were arrested in October and face federal wire fraud charges after attempting to pick up the withdrawn funds at the couple's residence. U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe warned southern Illinois residents about the prevalence of imposter scams targeting seniors, which typically involve fraudsters impersonating legitimate companies or government officials to manipulate victims into draining their accounts.
latimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 66-year-old San José man lost $170,000 in a "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scam, where scammers posed as investment advisors over Facebook and attempted to extract an additional $348,000 for fraudulent overseas taxes. Two Southern California residents, Liu Hong and Yalin Li, were arrested after law enforcement set up a sting operation at a bank parking lot; the case is notable because the victim realized the fraud while still in contact with the scammers, allowing authorities to intervene. Pig butchering scams cost Americans approximately $1 billion annually and typically involve multiple perpetrators, often including human trafficking victims forced to participate from Southeast Asia.
fox6now.com
· 2025-12-08
Holiday scams targeting shoppers, donors, and job seekers have increased significantly, with the FBI and Better Business Bureau warning consumers about fraudulent schemes across online shopping, social media, and charitable giving. Key scams include fake retailer ads and non-delivery schemes (which caused $92 million in losses in 2023), social media gift exchanges and puppy sales (totaling $5.6 million in 2024 complaints), fake charities, impostor websites, and seasonal job listings requiring upfront fees. Consumers are advised to verify businesses and charities through official sources, avoid unsolicited links and deals that seem too good to be true, and report suspected fraud to their financial institution an
shu.edu
· 2025-12-08
Smishing—a phishing scam conducted via SMS text messages—is surging among Android and iOS users, with cybercriminals impersonating banks, government agencies, and retailers to steal personal information, trigger identity theft, or install malware. The FBI urges users to avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unknown numbers and recommends enabling multi-factor authentication, accessing official websites directly, and reporting suspicious texts to carriers. Common smishing tactics include fake bank alerts, false tax refunds, account suspension warnings, fraudulent delivery notices, and unrealistic prize offers.
deccanherald.com
· 2025-12-08
A 68-year-old senior citizen in Bengaluru lost Rs 1.94 crore to cyber fraudsters who conducted a "digital arrest" scam between November 30 and December 7. The scammers impersonated Mumbai crime branch officers via WhatsApp video call, falsely claiming the victim was involved in money laundering linked to businessman Naresh Goyal, then pressured him to transfer his entire fixed deposit in multiple installments while restricting his communication with others. The victim discovered the fraud only after discussing it with his daughter, who helped him file a police complaint.
moco360.media
· 2025-12-08
A 26-year-old Rockville man was sentenced to five years in prison (10 years with suspension) for his role in a gold bar scam targeting a 94-year-old Silver Spring resident who nearly lost approximately $230,000. Mathon posed as a federal agent, convincing the elderly victim that his identity had been stolen and he needed to purchase gold bars for safekeeping, but law enforcement interrupted the scheme with a sting operation that caught Mathon attempting to collect the package. This marks Montgomery County's first conviction in a local gold bar scam case, which prosecutors note involves organized, international criminal networks that specifically target vulnerable elderly victims.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
The "digital arrest" scam, which has cost Indians ₹120 crore in the first four months of 2024, involves fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officials via phone calls to falsely accuse victims of crimes like money laundering and extort money by threatening immediate "digital arrest"—a term that does not exist in Indian law. The scam targets individuals across all sectors, including professionals, by creating psychological pressure through urgency, threats of isolation, and demands for confidentiality, and can be identified by suspicious unofficial contact numbers, pressure tactics, and threats against disclosure to family members.
1350kman.com
· 2025-12-08
A Dollar Tree employee in Riley County fell victim to a telephone scam on December 10 posing as an asset protection measure, resulting in a loss of approximately $1,200 through theft by deception. The incident occurred at 11:44 PM in the 300 block of Southwind Road, and no arrests have been made.
wmar2news.com
· 2025-12-08
Ronald Russell fell victim to an online dog adoption scam in Pennsylvania where he paid a deposit via PayPal for a Miniature Pinscher that did not exist, losing a few hundred dollars. The Better Business Bureau reports that pet adoption scams commonly result in losses exceeding $1,000, with scammers demanding additional payments for veterinary care, airport fees, or transit costs via wire transfer or gift cards. Russell advises potential pet adopters to never pay upfront, perform reverse image searches on photos, and complete transactions only in person after seeing the animal.
kroc.com
· 2025-12-08
A fake PayPal invoice scam is circulating in Minnesota, with fraudsters sending official-looking emails claiming payment is owed for unauthorized purchases and threatening account suspension to pressure victims into calling fake customer service numbers or clicking malicious links. The scam exploits holiday season distractions and mimics legitimate PayPal formatting to trick recipients into divulging financial information or compromising their accounts. The article advises verifying claims directly through PayPal's official website/app, avoiding links and phone numbers in suspicious emails, and reporting phishing attempts to PayPal.
newpittsburghcourier.com
· 2025-12-08
americanbanker.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, while overall fraud rates decreased, financial exploitation of seniors emerged as a growing concern for regulators and state authorities seeking to combat it. The year saw notable fraud incidents including a pig butchering scam that contributed to a regional bank's failure and a viral check fraud scheme on Chase Bank, highlighting evolving scam tactics targeting both consumers and financial institutions.
philstarlife.com
· 2025-12-08
South Korean actress Yoo In-na revealed she was victimized by a romance scam in her early 20s when a scammer stole her photos from Cyworld (a Korean social network) and used her identity to defraud a man of approximately 1-2 million won (roughly $800-$1,600). The scam was resolved only after the victim confronted the perpetrator with evidence of the real Yoo In-na's identity, prompting the scammer to repay the borrowed funds. Romance scams remain a significant problem in the Philippines and globally, with authorities warning the public to verify identities online and be cautious of deepfake AI videos used by scamm
wlky.com
· 2025-12-08
Kroger implemented security locks on gift card displays at all 116 of its Louisville and southern Indiana stores in response to a major gift card fraud scheme that cost customers over $1 million. Four men were arrested in October and charged with organized crime after tampering with gift cards at a local Kroger; the new locks make cards harder to remove and prevent altered cards from being returned to shelves. Police recommend customers continue inspecting gift cards for tampering before purchase.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting older adults by offering free in-home services like cooking and cleaning in exchange for their Medicare numbers, then fraudulently enrolling them in hospice care to bill Medicare. Only a doctor can certify hospice eligibility for terminally ill patients with a life expectancy of six months or less, and improper enrollment can negatively affect future Medicare coverage. To protect yourself, never share your Medicare number for free services, never agree to hospice enrollment for gifts or perks, and remember that Medicare representatives will not visit your home to sign you up for services.
recordnet.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article warns consumers about holiday-season scams, noting that fraudsters exploit busy shoppers and high transaction volumes to commit fraud. Key concerns include fake advertisements offering deep discounts, porch theft (with $76 billion in packages vulnerable), fake package notifications, gift card scams, and social media schemes, with the Better Business Bureau reporting a 125% rise in scam reports. The article provides protective tips including verifying legitimate retailers, researching charities, avoiding unsolicited emails and texts, and using package tracking and home security measures.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC warns that "gamified" online task scams distributed via text and WhatsApp are rising dramatically, with reports increasing from zero in 2020 to 20,000 complaints in the first half of 2024, resulting in over $220 million in losses. These scams lure victims with promises of easy money for tasks like rating videos or liking images, then request cryptocurrency deposits that are never returned, with scammers sometimes using fake testimonials to re-engage hesitant targets. The FTC advises consumers to ignore unsolicited job messages, never pay money upfront, and report fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
vancouver.citynews.ca
· 2025-12-08
Vancouver Police reported a scam targeting seniors in December 2024 in which fraudsters impersonated bank representatives via phone calls, claiming irregular account activity and convincing victims to surrender personal information and bank cards to couriers. Two seniors lost approximately $40,000 combined—a 72-year-old lost $30,000 and an 81-year-old lost $6,500—after being manipulated into providing passwords, PINs, and home addresses. Police advised the public that legitimate financial institutions never send couriers to collect bank cards and recommend hanging up on such calls and verifying directly with their bank.
silive.com
· 2025-12-08
Multiple residents at NYC Housing Authority's New Lane complex in Staten Island have fallen victim to scams targeting electronic benefit transfer (EBT) accounts, with scammers exploiting seniors' difficulty navigating smartphone EBT apps. Local officials held a press conference to raise awareness and call for stronger law enforcement action, noting that underreporting is common because victims can recoup funds through a lengthy process, and state legislators indicated they would pursue harsher penalties for crimes targeting seniors. Victims are urged to file police reports and contact the relevant scam hotline for assistance.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A senior citizen in Bengaluru lost Rs 1.94 crore from his fixed deposit after falling victim to a "digital arrest" scam that began with a WhatsApp video call on November 30th. Fraudsters impersonating a Mumbai Crime Branch officer falsely accused him of money laundering involvement, threatened legal action, and isolated him from help while manipulating him into transferring funds in multiple installments over a week. The victim's daughter discovered the fraud on December 7th when he confided in her, leading to a police complaint.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals have used fake job advertisements to scam thousands of internet users in 2024, with over 20,000 fraudulent postings reported in just six months compared to 5,000 in all of 2023. The scams typically involve unsolicited text messages promising work completing "app optimization" or "product boosting" tasks, followed by requests to purchase equipment (often an Apple computer) that will supposedly be reimbursed—with victims losing an average of $2,000, including a college student who lost her entire $2,230 savings via Venmo. The FTC reports $41 million in cryptocurrency losses to job scams in the first half
huffpost.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2021, gift cards were the top payment method used by scammers, resulting in $148 million in stolen funds from consumers. Scammers tamper with physical gift cards on store display racks by removing protective film, recording card and PIN numbers, and covering their tracks, then use computer programs to drain funds when victims activate the cards. Unlike credit and debit cards, gift cards lack protections under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, making it difficult for consumers to recover fraudulently used funds, and experts recommend buying cards from the back of display racks, under cashier supervision, online from reputable retailers, or giving cash instead.
dailyexcelsior.com
· 2025-12-08
Digital arrest scams are a sophisticated cyber fraud where perpetrators impersonate law enforcement officials to extort money or personal information from victims through false accusations of crimes like money laundering or identity theft. Multiple victims in India lost significant sums—ranging from 46 lakhs to 5.9 crore—after being intimidated by scammers using phone spoofing, deepfake technology, and legal jargon to create urgency and fear. These scams leverage psychological manipulation, phishing portals, and demands for untraceable payments via cryptocurrency or gift cards to exploit victims who are prevented from verifying the legitimacy of communications.
english.gujaratsamachar.com
· 2025-12-08
A 72-year-old senior citizen in Ahmedabad lost ₹1.84 crore in a stock market investment scam orchestrated through a WhatsApp group called "VIP A8 Jeevan Team," where fraudsters posed as stock experts and convinced him to download a fake trading app and invest in fabricated IPOs and block deals. The victim discovered the fraud when scammers demanded ₹39 lakh as a "processing fee" to withdraw his purported profits, revealing that all displayed gains were fake and his money had been siphoned to multiple bank accounts. Cyber Crime Police have registered a case and are investigating the fraudsters' network while tracking
ktvq.com
· 2025-12-08
A Billings man nearly fell victim to a jury duty scam where fraudsters impersonating Yellowstone County Sheriff's deputies claimed he owed $3,000 in fines for missed jury duty and threatened immediate arrest. The victim, a cybersecurity professional, grew suspicious when details didn't align and verified with the actual sheriff's office that no such deputies existed. County officials warn that these scams occur several times monthly with varying tactics, and emphasize that legitimate law enforcement never demands payment by phone for jury duty violations.
newskarnataka.com
· 2025-12-08
A Bengaluru senior citizen lost Rs 1.94 crore from his fixed deposit in a sophisticated cyber scam that began on November 30 when scammers impersonated a Mumbai Crime Branch officer via WhatsApp video call and falsely accused him of money laundering involvement. Using psychological manipulation tactics including fake "digital arrest" and threats of legal consequences, the fraudsters coerced the victim into transferring funds in multiple installments over several days while keeping him isolated. The scam was uncovered on December 7 when the victim disclosed the situation to his daughter, who recognized it as fraud and helped him file a police complaint.
taipeitimes.com
· 2025-12-08
**Type:** Educational/Prevention Advice
An expert psychiatrist in Taiwan recommends three preventive measures to protect elderly people from fraud: regular cognitive function assessments to detect early impairment, reducing alone time through social engagement and community activities, and holding major assets in trusts or guardianship arrangements. The advice comes amid rising elderly fraud cases in Taiwan, including a retired physician who lost over NT$10 million and actress Tan Ai-chen who lost over NT$1 million, with scammers typically targeting seniors during daytime hours when family members are at work.
english.factcrescendo.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals exploit unsecured public Wi-Fi networks to conduct banking scams using techniques like rogue hotspots and Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks to intercept user credentials and sensitive data. In a documented case, a professional named Rohit connected to a fake airport Wi-Fi network and had his banking credentials stolen, resulting in ₹1.2 lakh (approximately $14,400 USD) in unauthorized transactions before a follow-up phishing email further compromised his account. The article explains that public Wi-Fi networks lack encryption, making them vulnerable to credential theft, session hijacking, and identity fraud, and advises users to avoi
normantranscript.com
· 2025-12-08
This personal account describes the author's experience with multiple phone and online scams during the holiday shopping season, including fake credit card offers, IRS threats, and Microsoft Windows license warnings. The author documents various fraudulent calls and contacts from scammers impersonating legitimate companies (Visa, Google, Corporations for Character, the IRS, Social Security, and Microsoft), as well as suspicious emails, highlighting how these schemes remain profitable despite being widely known. The piece emphasizes the importance of educating oneself on scam recognition and avoiding being victimized by these common variations on familiar themes.
afro.com
· 2025-12-08
Task scams—fraudulent online job schemes initiated through unsolicited texts and WhatsApp messages—surged dramatically in 2024, accounting for nearly 40 percent of all job scam reports and causing losses exceeding $220 million in the first half of the year alone. These scams typically lure victims with vague work opportunities like "app optimization," provide small initial payouts to build trust, then demand upfront investments for promised larger commissions that never materialize, with cryptocurrency serving as the primary payment method. The FTC warns consumers to ignore unsolicited job messages, never pay money upfront for employment, and recognize that any promised earnings from "gamified tasks" are fraudulent.
glensidelocal.com
· 2025-12-08
Louigi Frank, 35, was arrested on December 12 for operating a driveway repair scam targeting elderly residents through his company Seal Coat Pro. Frank and his wife approached an 89-year-old Bedminster Township resident claiming they had extra sealcoat material, then charged her $7,000 for unnecessary driveway work. Police report this is a common scam targeting seniors using the "extra material" sales pitch, and are asking other potential victims to contact Officer Jim Browne at 215-795-2972 ext. 108.
presidentialprayerteam.org
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission updated its Telemarketing Sales Rule to include inbound calls for technical support services, targeting a major fraud scheme where consumers are tricked into paying for unnecessary tech support through misleading ads and pop-ups. Older adults aged 60 and above lost over $175 million to these scams in 2023, making them disproportionately vulnerable to this type of fraud. The regulatory expansion aims to hold businesses accountable and recover funds for victims of tech support scams.
theriver953.com
· 2025-12-08
The Frederick County Sheriff's Department issued a public awareness alert about the $10 billion in fraudulent losses nationwide in 2023, highlighting common scams including employment schemes, gift card fraud, pop-up messages, text/phone impersonations, and sweepstakes cons. The department advises residents to remain skeptical of unsolicited communications, hang up on suspicious calls, verify information through official sources, and contact local law enforcement with concerns.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
This curated cybercrime report documents multiple fraud cases across India and internationally. Notable incidents include an Indore resident losing Rs 2.45 lakh to an AnyDesk remote access scam, a Rs 71 lakh online stock market fraud in Pune involving a Russian national, and a Chennai shopkeeper arrested for defrauding over Rs 1 crore through fake goods and job offer scams on social media. The report also highlights international cases including the extradition of a Nigerian cybercriminal to the US for wire fraud and romance scams, cryptocurrency scams targeting Jersey residents, and emphasizes that global scams cost $1.026 trillion annually
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) fraud, identified as December's Medicare fraud concern by the New York StateWide Senior Action Council, involves scammers making unsolicited calls to Medicare beneficiaries offering free or discounted braces and other unnecessary medical equipment to fraudulently bill Medicare. Seniors are advised to guard their Medicare numbers, avoid responding to unsolicited offers, ensure a doctor has personally assessed their condition before obtaining equipment, and report suspicious charges to the NYS Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-333-4374, as such fraud costs taxpayers an estimated $60 billion nationally per year.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The New York StateWide Senior Action Council identified Durable Medical Equipment (DME) fraud as its December fraud alert, warning seniors about scammers offering unsolicited calls or ads for free or low-cost braces and other unnecessary medical equipment to steal Medicare information and submit fraudulent claims. The organization advises seniors to guard their Medicare numbers like credit card numbers, avoid responding to unsolicited offers, ensure a doctor has personally assessed their condition before receiving equipment, and report suspicious activity to the NYS Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-333-4374.
postandcourier.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI issued a public warning about an advanced tech support scam targeting South Carolina seniors, where scammers pose as tech support and instruct victims to liquidate assets and purchase gold bars for courier pickup to resolve fabricated device or financial account issues. South Carolina residents aged 60 and older reported losses exceeding $9 million from January through November, with similar cases occurring nationwide, and the multi-layered scheme often involves networks of criminals working together over weeks or months. The FBI advises seniors to avoid clicking unsolicited links, never provide computer access to unknown individuals, and verify suspicious claims by visiting financial institutions in person rather than contacting provided phone numbers.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Matthew Ramos-Soto, 27, from Connecticut, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for his role in a grandparent scheme wire fraud network that targeted elderly victims across the United States. Operating as a courier posing as a bail bondsman, Ramos-Soto collected over $250,000 from victims in Wisconsin alone between October 2022 and October 2023, with the broader scheme involving coconspirators who called elderly victims claiming their relatives needed bail money for serious accidents or crimes. Judge Peterson described the crime as "cruel and devastating" and emphasized the significant financial and emotional harm inflicted on victims.
wfiwradio.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly couple in Williamson County, Illinois lost $121,000 to an imposter scam in which criminals posing as PayPal and federal agents convinced them their accounts were compromised and directed them to withdraw cash for "secure" deposit. Three Chinese nationals were arrested in October and now face federal wire fraud charges after attempting to collect the cash from the victims' home using code words provided by the scammers. The U.S. Attorney's Office reports a rising trend of such imposter scams targeting seniors in southern Illinois, where fraudsters use scare tactics and pressure victims to keep withdrawals secret from their banks.
ksat.com
· 2025-12-08
The Department of Homeland Security Investigations issued a holiday season warning about phone scams targeting seniors and vulnerable populations, including grandparent scams, charity scams, tech support scams, banking scams, and government impersonation scams. The agency recommends protecting yourself by avoiding sharing personal information, verifying caller identity, being skeptical of urgent requests, staying alert online, and reporting suspicious activity to HSI or local authorities.
snopes.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Brushing scams—where scammers mail unsolicited items to recipients with QR codes to generate fake positive reviews—are real threats, but viral Facebook warnings from police departments exaggerated the danger of scanning QR codes. While scanning a QR code alone does not automatically compromise a phone or drain bank accounts, scammers using QR code phishing (Quishing) require victims to take additional steps, such as entering login credentials on malicious websites mimicking legitimate services.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP's Hearing Center offers expert guidance on avoiding phone scams and fraud, with a November Rural America Live show featuring an anti-fraud specialist who recommends not answering calls from unknown numbers as a key prevention strategy. The resource provides additional materials covering holiday scams, charity fraud detection, and other common scam types to help consumers protect themselves.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
During the holiday season, scammers exploit shoppers' stress and excitement through various schemes, including package delivery scams that use fake links mimicking legitimate carriers (like "uspsts.top" instead of "usps.com") to steal personal information or payment, and charity scams where fraudsters impersonate legitimate organizations to solicit donations. The article advises consumers to verify packages through original shipping confirmations, independently research charities before donating, maintain antivirus software, and watch for red flags like poor grammar and suspicious links.